Two helicopters collide in mid-air in the United States, 3 killed

Three people were killed in a mid-air collision between two helicopters in the US state of Oregon. The accident happened near a small airport on Thursday (October 29) afternoon local time. BBC news

A Robinson R22 and an Airbus helicopter collided near the McMinnville Municipal Airport, authorities said. Both helicopters then crashed in an open field next to the highway.

One of the dead was a 22-year-old flight instructor. An apprentice pilot from the UK was in the same helicopter with him. The sole occupant of the other helicopter also lost his life.

Authorities said the flight instructor aboard the Robinson R22 helicopter was identified as Maddy Asbo. However, the identity of the UK apprentice pilot has not yet been released. Authorities are working with the consulate and the FBI to notify his relatives of the accident.

The sole occupant of the other helicopter was identified as Tyler Delen Sturdevant, 38. He was a resident of Newburgh, Oregon.

The cause of the accident was not immediately known. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reached the spot and started an investigation.

The BBC reported that the FAA has been contacted for comment on the crash.

One of the helicopters involved in the accident was operated by Jerry Trimble Helicopters, a flight training company. The company is located at the McMinnville Municipal Airport. In a statement, the company said it is deeply saddened that one of its helicopters was involved in an accident. They are fully cooperating with the investigators.

Meanwhile, the local authorities have requested the general public to avoid the accident site during the rescue and investigation activities.

 BBC news